Politics

BASIS Independent McLean of McLean, Va., starting its inaugural year, is using the opportunity to vote on its first mascot as a chance to teach the students about the election process, in wake of the upcoming, much talked about presidential election. The process, led by head of school, Sean Aiken, will introduce ideas such delegate system and popular vote to discuss what mascot would best represent the school’s values. For more information about the school, go to http://mclean.basisindependent.com/.

ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA) -- Abortion rights supporters in Virginia are cheering after they won a small, first step in a challenge to strict, new state regulations that require abortion clinics meet hospital standards.

An Arlington judge rejected a motion from Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and the Virginia Board of Health seeking to toss out a legal challenge to the regulations. It means the case will now move forward.

"Whoa!" Cheered Rosemary Codding, director of the Falls Church Healthcare Center (FCHC) which brought the lawsuit, technically called an appeal. Codding said the ruling gave her immense hope.

"It's just like the turning tide. It has been such an oppressive environment for three years for women's health. This is an immense spiritual uplifting. And, as a woman of very strong faith, I know God is with me. And I know that he has given me courage to continue in this battle," said Codding.

RICHMOND, Vs. (AP)--Ralph Northam, a Norfolk doctor who became a hero of Virginia's reproductive-rights movement, and fellow state Sen. Mark Herring won statewide Democratic primaries Tuesday for lieutenant governor and attorney general, respectively.

Two respected senior Republican House members, however, were felled by conservative challengers as each sought an 11th term in the General Assembly.

Northam, a pediatric neurologist and the only physician in the Senate, won a large following among female voters in 2012 when he used medical authority to thunder against a Republican-authored bill that would have required an intrusive ultrasound exam of every woman seeking an abortion.

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA9)--On Tuesday, June 11th Virginians will head to the polls to choose party candidates for two statewide offices--Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General--as well as eleven House of Delegate seats.

The race for Governor has been a known entity for weeks. Ken Cuccinelli is the Republican candidate. He was selected at a convention in Richmond back in May. Terry McAuliffe was the only Democratic candidate to file for the office, so he automatically became the party's nominee.